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A child should be able to identify and explain figurative language by the fourth grade. Figurative language includes similes, metaphors, idioms, proverbs, and many other grammar forms.
The most traditional way to teach figurative language is to identify it in a text, or make some sort of fun activity out of identifying it in a text.
But there is an even more fun way to introduce sensitivity to figurative language.
It’s teaching sarcasm.
Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony that is often used in speech.
According to research, children should be able to start detecting sarcasm at around age 6 or 7. This is why when you make the occasional sarcastic remark while playing or teaching – like “Hmm… that wasn’t loud at all,” you might get a giggle or a chuckle.
But what if you took the sarcasm knowledge further? Like with most language skills, early exposure can only be a good thing.
So get ready to laugh with these tips -
1. “Just kidding”
Start by saying sarcastic things in activities together. Then, to cue your children to laugh, add a “just kidding” or… “haha, NOT.”
Chances are, after some modeling, a child will start to copy you.
2. Explain concept
Sarcasm is when you say something the exact opposite of what you mean in two ways -
a. In a very serious way or
b. In a very dramatic, exaggerated way
When you teach this way, you are teaching so many things –
a. The concept of opposites
b. Tone of voice / body language cues (social language!) with terms like “serious” and “dramatic / exaggerated.”
3. Practice Identifying in TV shows
Now comes the fun part. Look for clips like Sheldon’s ramblings from “The Big Bang Theory”, or Garfield’s snide remarks from movies and TV shows. You can find a bunch on Youtube (Filter for appropriateness of course).
You can play a clip, and then work with a child to answer the following questions
a. Who was sarcastic?
b. What did they say?
c. Did they say it in an excited way? Or in a serious way?
d. What did the character mean to say? – Have the child fill in the exact opposite of what was said.
For example, if a character exclaims, “Oh it’s so hot in here,” while he is out in a blizzard…
a. The character was sarcastic
b. He said “Oh it’s so hot in here.”
c. He said it in an excited way
d. He meant to say it was freezing cold.
So there you have it! A fun and easy way to increase a child’s understanding and expression of figurative language.
Sarcasm is a complex skill – but children in higher elementary school grades are gearing up for some complex expectations and classes. It’s never too early to give a child a boost.
And, if there is a middle schooler struggling with figurative language, this activity might help them as well.
Happy Talking ! (And laughing!)
Disclaimer : Smarter Speech is a pediatric speech therapy / speech-language pathology practice for toddlers and children providing in-home and teletherapy services in and around Mountain View, CA and Los Gatos, CA. Smarter Speech Blog aims to provide free speech and language tips for parents educators and therapists. However, this post is not providing speech-language pathology services. This is general information, not speech -language pathology or speech therapy. This article does not assume or create a client – SLP relationship. The author is not liable for any losses or damages due to actions or failure to act based on the content in this article. If you need assistance with a child’s speech or language needs, please contact a speech-language pathologist in your area.